Introduction
Thomas Attenborough’s 2013 article, published in Critical Discourse Studies, examines how scientists are represented. Attenborough investigates how discourses of gender, power, and authority shape popular perceptions of scientists and how the media contributes to the sexualization of science. To answer these questions, Attenborough uses a qualitative study of print media in the United Kingdom, focusing on articles from the two leading newspapers in the country: The Sun and The Guardian. He employs an analytical discourse approach to examine how languages and other signifiers, such as images and style, influence the representation of scientists in the media.
Attenborough’s analysis of data from both newspapers reveals that gender stereotypes are heavily relied upon to create a narrative of scientists as male, powerful, and authoritative. Moreover, the data also shows that the media often sexualizes science by using imagery and language that conflates scientific knowledge with sexual arousal. The article concludes by suggesting that the media’s representation of science and scientists can significantly impact public perceptions of science and gender. Attenborough argues that further research could be conducted to understand how the media can be utilized to shift the public’s perception of science and scientists in a more positive direction.
Article’s Research Aims and Questions
In the article, Attenborough examines how gender is represented in media discourse, with a particular focus on the portrayal of scientists. His research question is: “How is gender represented in media discourse on scientists?” To answer this question, he conducted a discourse analysis of newspaper articles about scientists, focusing on how language is used to construct gender identities.
He conducted a content analysis of the articles to examine the language used to describe scientists and how gender stereotypes were reflected in the language. He found that this language was often gendered, with male scientists being described as brilliant, genius, or daring. In contrast, female scientists were described as “pretty” or “sexy” (Attenborough 225).
Literature Review
Thomas Attenborough’s article provides a comprehensive overview of the literature on discourse analysis and gender representation in the media. Attenborough begins the article by defining discourse analysis and discussing its relevance to the study of gender representation in the media. He explains that discourse analysis is a tool for uncovering how language is used to construct and perpetuate gender roles and stereotypes.
Attenborough then discusses the prevalence of gender stereotypes in the media, such as the tendency to portray women sexually. He argues that discourse analysis is a powerful tool for understanding how these stereotypes are perpetuated through language. Attenborough then describes how discourse analysis can be used to study gender representation in the media. He uses the example of scientists in the media to illustrate how gender stereotypes can be revealed through discourse analysis. He demonstrates how language can be employed to construct a specific image of scientists and how this image is often gendered in a manner that reinforces traditional gender roles.
Attenborough discusses the implications of his findings, arguing that discourse analysis can be used to identify and challenge gender stereotypes perpetuated through language. He also suggests that media outlets should be aware of how their language perpetuates gender stereotypes and strive to use language more inclusively and equitably.
Methodology
Thomas Attenborough provides an in-depth examination of how the media portrays scientists, finding that gender is a significant factor in this portrayal. Attenborough’s methodology is clearly described, and his findings are supported by examples from the newspaper articles he analyzed. He found that media discourse on scientists is heavily gendered. Male scientists are more likely to be portrayed as successful, knowledgeable, and authoritative than female scientists. Female scientists, on the other hand, are more likely to be portrayed as secondary to male scientists, and their successes are often downplayed or overshadowed by the accomplishments of male scientists.
Data and Key Findings
Attenborough’s findings illustrate how gender stereotypes continue to shape how people view scientists. Although the media rarely explicitly states that male scientists are superior to female scientists, it is evident in how they are portrayed. Male scientists are often portrayed as authoritative figures, while female scientists are frequently depicted as “supporting actors” to the male lead. This skewed representation perpetuates the idea that only men can be successful scientists and that women cannot achieve the same level of success.
The article also emphasizes the significance of language in perpetuating gender stereotypes. He notes that the language used to describe male and female scientists often differs, with male scientists being described as ‘brilliant’ and ‘innovative.’ For instance, Brian Cox is addressed as “Prof Cox the fox, the sci-candy and/or intellectual crumpet who is ‘more than just’ a pretty face” (Attenborough 229). In contrast, female scientists are often described as “sexy.” For example, the description of Grant as a ‘cutie-pie cleverclogs’ means that there is a sense in which her sexiness is being substituted (Attenborough 229).
Definition of Key Terms and Concepts
Attenborough begins by discussing the concept of gender, noting that gender is a social construct and a form of identity. He then examines the concept of discourse and its role in society. He states that discourse is a set of practices and beliefs that define how meaning is constructed, shared, and understood (Attenborough). He also explains discourse analysis, which studies how discourse is used in social contexts. He outlines the various approaches to discourse analysis, such as content analysis, discourse analysis, and critical discourse analysis.
Attenborough then focuses on applying discourse analysis to media discourse, noting that “media discourse often reveals underlying ideologies and beliefs about gender” (Attenborough). He then applies the concept of discourse analysis to his research, which examines how the media portrays scientists. Attenborough finds that the media often portrays scientists as being male, white, and heterosexual, and that this portrayal reinforces gender stereotypes.
Attenborough defines discourse as “a social practice” (p. 224). That means discourse is not only a way of speaking or writing, but also a way of thinking and engaging in social interaction. Discourse analysis is a tool for understanding how language is used to construct social meanings and how these meanings can be used to influence people’s behavior and beliefs. Attenborough further defines the concept of sexualization as “the process of ascribing or implying sexual qualities to something that is not necessarily sexual” (p. 225).
The Article’s Critique
While this article offers valuable insights into how gender is represented in the media, it has several limitations. Firstly, it is limited in its scope, focusing solely on gender representation in the media. While this is an important issue, it does not consider how other social identities, such as race, class, or sexuality, are represented in the media. Additionally, the article does not examine how language is used to construct other social identities, such as age or ability.
Finally, the article overlooks the power dynamics that may be at play in the media’s representation of scientists. To fully understand how scientists are represented in the media, it is essential to consider the intersectionality of social identities. For example, the representation of women of color in the media may differ from that of white women, and the representation of disabled scientists may differ from that of abled scientists. It is essential to consider the role of power dynamics in media representation. For instance, the media may be more likely to portray female scientists as attractive and male scientists as brilliant, reinforcing existing power structures.
Conclusion
Attenborough’s article provides a helpful overview of discourse analysis and its application to media discourse. It offers a fascinating exploration of how gender is represented in media discourse. However, it is limited in scope and does not explore other social identities or power dynamics. Attenborough defines key terms and concepts, explaining how they can be applied to media discourse. His article is a significant contribution to the field of discourse analysis, offering valuable insights into how language is used to shape people’s understanding of gender.
Work Cited
Attenborough, Frederick Thomas. “Discourse Analysis and Sexualisation: A Study of Scientists in the Media.” Critical Discourse Studies, vol. 10, no. 2, 2013, pp. 223–36. Web.